Leaving Key West is always a bit of a wrench, and Jim and Sue were feeling it as much as I was, so after photographing each other at the southern-most point of the USA we stopped off at the International House of Pancakes just out of town to cheer ourselves up with an overdose of calories. I was introduced to this wonderful place by Chris in March and must limit my visits or my boat will sink, but I must say the pancakes are very good indeed.
Southernmost point of the USA!
The drive north from Key West is pretty simple as there’s only one road – US1 – which jumps from island to island via a series of bridges and causeways. Some islands are little more than a few metres across, while others are big enough for towns, airports, and endless strip development of souvenir and fishing tackle shops.
There are very few natural beaches in the Keys due to the barrier reef, and the best is on Bahia Honda, where we stopped for a little breather. This place is real desert island stuff with white sand, palm trees, and stunningly bluey-green water. Shame it smells of rotten seaweed, but I guess you can’t have everything in life.
Bahia Honda
The drive from Key West to Miami is about 150 miles, and we arrived at the airport in good time for Jim and Sue to check in for their flight home. I think I’ve shown them something they won’t forget in a hurry here, and I reckon they’ll be back before long.
After a final lunch together I waved them off and jumped back into the car (or should I say SUV?) to head north to Fort Lauderdale, making a short detour via the beach.
I’m writing this from the terrace of my new home, about two metres from the water, with a clear starlit sky overhead and the breeze gently ruffling the palm trees above me.
It’s going to be hard to leave this place.